But, this time Bond’s loyalty to M is tested, especially as she ordered his possible death outside of Istanbul. M (Judi Dench) is a major character in this movie as her past comes back to haunt her in the form of a bizarre, vicious former agent (Javier Bardem.)

There’s a seriousness and lack of fun, from hard drives and tech wizards to a Bond who looks very sober and unhappy most of the time. The good news is the cinematography, a great song by Adele and always watch-able actors from Dench to the underutilized Bardem to Ralph Fiennes and Craig. Just a little more light into the darkness of villains and international crime next time.

Three hats.

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Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” (credit: DreamWorks)

LINCOLN (PG-13)

Director Steven Spielberg took one episode in the life of Lincoln and drew us into the story and the man: it was Lincoln getting Congress to vote yes on the 13th Amendment, ending slavery while simultaneously ending the Civil War. At the same time, he was dealing with a proposal for a negotiated peace from the South.

Written by Tony Kurshner, based on the book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin, the film is anchored by a remarkable, believable performance by Daniel Day Lewis. Instead of a caricature, we meet a man filled with backwoods humor, sorrow and all the complications of humanity. He’s given great support by a fine cast, including Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones.